Let’s be honest.
No matter how awesome Chromecast is…
It isn’t the most user-friendly when it comes to changing WiFi.
Fortunately, your friendly virtual neighbor is here.
And I’m happy to help you switch your device to a new WiFi.
Continue reading to find out:
- Reasons why your Chromecast isn’t connecting to WiFi.
- 7 effective ways to troubleshoot your Chromecast’s WiFi issues.
- 7 easy steps to change your Chromecast device’s WiFi connection.
- And a lot more…
How to change WiFi on Chromecast – 7 steps
#1: Ensure your phone’s using the WiFi you’ll connect the Chromecast to
So let’s say you have 2 WiFi networks at home. And for this example, I’ll just call them WiFi 1 and WiFi 2.
Your Chromecast is currently connected to WiFi 1. And now, you want to switch it to WiFi 2.
Well, before doing that…
You need to ensure that your phone’s also connected to WiFi 2. Otherwise, you won’t be able to change your Chromecast’s WiFi.
#2: Launch the Google Home app on your phone
#3: Open your Chromecast device’s Settings menu
From the app’s home page, select your Chromecast. And then tap the gear icon on the top right of the screen to go to Settings.
#4: Make your Chromecast forget your WiFi network
Under the Settings menu’s Device Info tab, look for WiFi. On its right side, you should see the Forget button. Tap it.
When a window pops up to confirm, click Forget network.
#5: Reset your Chromecast device
After forgetting your network, you’ll see a prompt telling you to reset your device. So follow that.
Now, resetting your Chromecast is easy. Although the steps slightly vary depending on the model.
But don’t worry. I’ll provide a guide for all models of Chromecast. Just ensure that your device remains powered on. Plus, you should plug it into your TV.
How to reset a 1st Gen Chromecast
- Look for the reset button on the back of the device.
- Press and hold the button.
- Wait until the LED light flashes red and then white.
- Check your TV screen.
- Release the button as soon as the screen goes blank.
How to reset a 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, and Ultra Chromecast
- Find the reset button on the side of the device.
- Press and hold the button.
- Wait until the LED blinks orange and then white.
- Release the button.
How to reset a Chromecast with Google TV
- Look for the reset button on the back.
- Press and hold the button.
- Wait until the LED light starts blinking yellow.
- When the LED light turns white, release the button.
#6: Reconnect your Chromecast to the Google Home app
After resetting, your Chromecast device will be unlinked from your Google Home app. And you’ll essentially have to set it up again.
So from the Google Home app’s main page, tap the plus icon. It’s on the top left corner of your screen.
Then, follow these steps to reconnect Chromecast to the Google Home app:
Step #1: Click Set up device.
Step #2: Click Set up new devices in your home.
Step #3: Tap Home and then click Next.
Step #4: Wait for the app to discover your Chromecast device.
Step #5: Once the app finds it, click Yes.
Step #6: A code should appear on your TV and app. Check if they match. Then click Yes.
Step #7: Select the location of your Chromecast device.
At this point, your Chromecast is now reconnected to the Google Home app.
#7: Connect your Chromecast to WiFi
Once you’ve picked the location of your Chromecast…
You should be able to see the WiFi connection page.
From here, you’ll see a list of nearby WiFi networks. So just tap the one that you want to connect your Chromecast to.
Then click Next. And enter the WiFi password.
That’s it. You’ve now successfully changed your Chromecast’s WiFi.
Now, the steps are fairly easy.
But you know what would make it even easier?
A video guide. So check this out:
Further reading: Can a Chromecast Work on Multiple Wi-Fi Networks? The Truth
Why isn’t my Chromecast connecting to my new WiFi?
Your Chromecast isn’t connecting to your new WiFi because of network issues. Your new WiFi might be unstable. Or your ISP is experiencing outages or interruptions. In addition, your Chromecast device is possibly glitching. Or you weren’t able to properly reset it before changing its WiFi connection.
Chromecast is an excellent device. And it can turn your TV into a smart one easily.
But it’s understandable how some are annoyed with its WiFi changing process. Where you essentially have to set up your device all over again.
And even if you do it right…
You may still encounter connection issues.
But fret not. Because I’ll be providing fixes that you can do to resolve your device’s WiFi problems.
Check for any network connection issues
A common reason a Chromecast won’t connect to its new WiFi is network issues.
In other words, there’s a problem with the internet itself.
It could be unstable. Like, cutting in and out. Or the signal’s weaker than usual.
And in some cases, the ISP might be experiencing service interruptions.
What you can do is check your WiFi speed.
To do that, just open a browser from your phone. And go to the Speed Test website.
And if your download speed’s significantly slower than your plan…
Perform a power cycle on your modem and router. Here’s how:
- Unplug your router and modem from their power source.
- Wait for 30 seconds to a minute.
- Reconnect both devices back to an outlet.
After restarting, wait until all their lights are green and steady. Your Chromecast should then try to reconnect to the WiFi.
Disconnect all other devices from your home WiFi
If your Chromecast is still struggling to connect to the new WiFi…
It might be because there are too many devices already connected to it.
While technically, you can connect up to 250 devices on a home router…
The ideal number’s much lower than that. Typically, ISPs like Verizon and AT&T only recommend about 10 to 15 devices per router.
And the lesser, the better.
So try to disconnect your other devices. Especially those that you aren’t currently using.
This should make it easier for your Chromecast to connect to WiFi.
Move your router closer to your TV
WiFi has a much broader connection range compared to Bluetooth.
However, it may also not work properly if your device is too far from the router.
And that’s why Chromecast’s support page recommends moving it within 20 feet of the router.
Now, understandably, it’s much easier said than done. Depending on your home setup. And how you arranged your furniture.
That’s why if it isn’t possible…
I’d recommend that you use a WiFi extender instead.
It’s a device you can use to boost the reach of your router.
So if your Chromecast is too far from its new WiFi router…
An extender would be the perfect solution.
And if you’re looking for recommendations, here are the best brands you can buy:
All of those are for under $50. And they’re all well-reviewed by thousands of users. So you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Restart your Chromecast device
It’s also possible that your Chromecast device is glitching. And it’s not really a problem with your WiFi connection.
That’s why another effective fix for this WiFi issue is to restart the device itself.
Just follow these steps to restart your Chromecast:
- Unplug the device from the power outlet.
- Disconnect it from the back of your TV.
- Wait for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Plug it back into the TV’s HDMI port.
- Power your Chromecast back on by plugging the adapter.
After doing this, it should automatically try connecting to the WiFi.
But if it still won’t connect, proceed to the other fixes.
Update your Google Home app
As you know, connecting a Chromecast to WiFi requires using the Google Home app.
And that’s why, in some instances…
A glitch in the app can also keep the Chromecast from establishing a WiFi connection.
And the app possibly malfunctioned because it’s outdated.
So you should install available updates to it. And then repeat the whole process in the previous section of connecting the Chromecast to a new WiFi.
How to update the Google Home app on an iOS device
- From the home screen, open the App Store.
- Type in Google Home in the search bar.
- When you find the app, tap the Update button beside it.
How to update the Google Home app on an Android device
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Select your profile icon.
- Select Manage apps & devices.
- Look for the Google Home app.
- Tap the Update button.
Perform a factory reset
I’ve seen some users suggest that you can skip resetting the Chromecast. Before you change its WiFi.
Now, it may work for some. But it can also cause connection problems for many.
So hopefully, you didn’t skip the reset process. But if you did, don’t worry. Because you can easily do it now.
It only takes a few seconds.
For a 1st Gen Chromecast, just press and hold the reset button. And release it after the LED light flashes red and white.
For 2nd and 3rd Gen Chromecast, the process is the same. Except the LED light should turn orange and then white.
And for Chromecast with Google Play, you’d also need to press and hold the button. But the LED light should flash yellow before white.
Once you’ve reset your Chromecast…
You may follow the process of reconnecting it to the Google Home app. It’s in step #6 of the section above. And from there, you can connect it to the new WiFi.
Contact Chromecast’s support team
Finally, if your Chromecast still wouldn’t connect to the new WiFi…
There might be some defect in the device.
A Chromecast can last around 2 to 3 years on average.
So if you’ve had it for a while…
It might be showing signs of wear and tear.
So at this point, it’s best to contact Chromecast’s dedicated support team for assistance.
You have several options to reach them.
First, you may call them through their hotline number. At 1-844-400-2278. Their hours of operation are Thursday to Saturday. From 12 AM to 11:59 PM.
Another way to contact them is by scheduling a call.
Just click the Get a call option on this page.
And then fill out the form with your Google account. Also, include your contact number. Then, someone should then call you within 5 minutes.
Lastly, you may also chat with a representative. From the same page I linked above, just click the Chat button.